How does it work?

Clotrimazole is a type of antifungal medicine known as an imidazole. It kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. Clotrimazole works by inhibiting the production of a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the cell membrane and causes holes to appear. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As clotrimazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi. Clotrimazole cream is used to treat a wide range of fungal skin infections, including ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, fungal nappy rash and fungal infections in the genital areas.

What is it used for?

Athlete's foot

Fungal infections of the nails (onychomycosis)

Fungal skin infections, eg athlete's foot, ringworm, candida skin infections

Inflammation of the vulva due to thrush infection

Nappy rash caused by a fungal infection

Thrush infection causing inflammation of the end of the penis and/or foreskin

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

If this preparation is used to treat fungal infections in the genital area there is a possibility that it may damage latex condoms and diaphragms. The effectiveness of these contraceptives may consequently be reduced.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy. It has been used in pregnant patients for over a decade without adverse effects, however you should consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Irritation in area of use

Burning sensation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no significant interactions with this medicine.

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